Diamond Stud Earrings

Diamond studs are just two diamonds in mountings, right? So why do prices vary so much? The jeweler on TV says 2 carat diamond studs are $3999 and Tiffany says they’re $30,000. What the heck is going on here?

Quick Tips:

1) Diamonds under 1/2 carat each don’t always need lab reports; however, if you want to be sure you’re getting accurately graded diamonds that are well cut, a lab report is a must. This is especially true if you intend to get big diamonds, ranging from 1 carat or more each. Often times the cut is never described at all. Diamond studs are given the more poorly cut bottom heavy stones more often than engagement rings. So always ask for a lab report, and ask your jeweler to prove they are well cut (such as providing you with a GIA report of Very Good or Excellent Cut). After all, what’s the point of getting larger quality diamonds if they don’t sparkle?

2) Some diamond dealers can be vague with what you are really getting for the carat weight. For example, if you’re getting 2 carat total weight, sometimes the dealers have a range of 1.96cttw to 2.06cttw, and yes, you usually get less than 2 carats, surprise! It’s always in fine print somewhere. Sometimes they will actually give you 2 carats total weight; however, one may be 1.02ct and the other 0.98ct. Obviously one is worth much more then the other. Some people don’t care, others care quite a bit. That’s why a lab report as discussed above is so helpful. But always find out what the actual carat weight of your diamond studs are rather than just be given a range.

3) Diamond quality is still important when buying studs. Although no one is going to go and look right at your ear to see the flaws in your studs, they will still not sparkle nicely across the room if they have several flaws or are a yellow color. With engagement rings, we often recommend VS2-SI1 clarity and G-H color. For diamond studs however, you can go down to SI2 clarity or even I1 if they are accurately graded by the GIA or AGS. Though I-K colors are affordable for studs, G-H colors still look best in our opinion. Yet the stated diamond grades mean nothing if the grading is not accurate. Make sure to work with a reputable jeweler who deals in diamonds with quality lab reports such as GIA or AGS, or have them independently appraised after purchase during the return grace period given by your jeweler.

4) Unlike rings or bracelets that can get so abused, metal selection in diamond studs is not as critical. We still suggest you get platinum if your budget allows; however, white gold is usually just fine for most. Some women can be allergic to 14K white gold alloys made with nickel, so you may want to ask your jeweler to be sure there is no nickel or get 18K white gold mountings for your diamond studs instead just to be sure.